Holistic Mom's Network Event - October 14

Maternal Health and Fitness supports wellness for you and your child.

HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK PRESENTS
"Use Homeopathy to Treat Your Child's Illness"

Featured Speaker: Dr. Rodd Stockwell, Holistic MD

Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
North Andover Library Community Room

What is homeopathy? When to use it? How to choose and give homeopathic remedies to treat:

• Ear aches
• Fevers
• Colds and flu
• Colic
• Headaches

The Holistic Moms Network is a non-profit support and discussion network for parents with an interest in natural/holistic and alternative health and parenting.

To learn more about this network of Holistic Moms please visit: www.holisticmoms.org or email northshorehmn@yahoo.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Elan Hair Studio and SoCap has teamed with Maternal Health & Fitness in
"PINK HAIR FOR HOPE"

Show your support for breast cancer research by adding pink extensions to your hair!! Each extension is $10.

All proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Ladies... we need to combat this disease for our daughters! So please call 978-688-5342 to make an appointment with Courtney or Erin. Program runs from October 1, 2008 thru November 1, 2008

Free Pediactric Acupuncture Massage

Our friends at FIRSTHEALTH OF ANDOVER are proud to announce a FREE shonishin treatment day

Shonishin is a NON-NEEDLE NON-INVASIVE Pediactric Acupuncture Massage

When: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th from 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: One Dundee Park, Suites 1&2, Andover, MA 01810
Call for appointment: 978-474-9994
(mention you were sent by Maternal Health and Fitness)

More about Shonishin
Shonishin (shon=little, ni=children, shin= needle) pediatric acupuncture is a non-needle Japanese form of acupuncture massage designed specifically for the pediatric population. This is a common form of treatment for children in Japan and is designed to take the fear away from acupuncture treatments, while delivering the benefits of this time-honored healing tradition.

The Shonishin technique uses a variety of instruments to brush, tap and massage specific acupuncture points and channels on the skin. This gentle treatment is not only enjoyable for children but also quite effective in treating most common and even some uncommon childhood illnesses within a holistic framework. Some of these conditions include:

• Failure to thrive syndrome
• Weak constitution
• Colic, excessive night crying, temper tantrums
• Indigestion, GERD, constipation, and diarrhea
• Night terrors
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Allergies, asthma, and colds
• Eczema and hives
• Ear infections
• Bedwetting
• Stuttering
• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Teething

So ladies...don't miss out on this great opportunity to experience the latest that First Health has to offer!

Please call 978-474-9994 for an appointment & mention that we sent you!

Exercising Babies

The babies did floor exercises while the mom's worked with resistance weights.

The summer has been a warm one for Maternal Health and Fitness mommies. The summer baby bootcamp classes are coming to an end. Just three more classes left.

Tomorrow, Friday, August 15 (rescheduled date)
Tuesday, August 19
Tuesday, August 26

Moms and their babies are welcome to join us for the remaining classes at a prorated amount.

For more information call 978-738-8080

Mommy Fitness Classes rescheduled this week

This week's mommy fitness class Tuesday, Aug 5 is going to be rescheduled for Friday, Aug 15.

See you there at 9:30 am!

Next week's class will happen as planned, but Jen will be there to show us the way!

Next Week's classes

Baby Bootcamp is on vacation Tuesday, July 22.

See all you moms for the next week's fitness class on Tuesday, July 29th at Maternal Health and Fitness!

There are only 5 classes left, so let's take advantage of the sunny weather and get out to Andover Park. If you haven't signed up yet and are still interested in the remainder of classes for the summer, we can pro-rate your costs.

For more information call 978-738-8080.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Fourth of July to all you mommies and mommies-to-be from Maternal Health and Fitness!

Summer is a great time for spending time with loved ones who are out of school and vacationing from the heat! Take note of our new summer schedule and our new fitness instructors.

NO CLASS SATURDAY JULY 5TH

Starting Thursday, June 26th every other week will be a prenatal yoga class...with Leigh "The Traveling Yogini" We will still have Yoga on Tuesdays and the regularly scheduled prenatal fitness on every other Thursday.
Welcome Aboard Leigh!!!

Also every 3rd Saturday starting May 31st Jen will be rising & shining for your morning class ...we look forward to her "shaking it up for you."
Welcome Aboard Jen!!!

Never too young for yoga

Our newest little member Livia is held by fitness instructor Jacqui as she observed our yoga moves in the park in Andover center.

Classes this Week

Today is the last day for the "I'm a mommy...now what?" class. Join moms with their babies discussing what they are doing now, after pregnancy. It's a great forum for all those questions you have about becoming a new mom.

Join us for post-partum exercise this morning. If it starts to rain, we'll go back to the studio and do some exercise there. Bring your strollers and a blanket...and of course your baby!

And one more quick note for those of you getting close to having your little ones, hypnobirthing classes start again tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28, in Andover at Maternal Health and Fitness. Learn how to help yourself and your partner relax and prepare for the birthing process. Snacks provided!

Infant CPR class a success!

On May 10, Maternal Health and Fitness hosted an Infant CPR class taught by a trained professional from the Red Cross.


Using special infant dolls, moms and dads were able to learn how to help their babies in the event of blocked or stopped breath.

Prenatal Fitness Class Sat, May 17 & Doula Certification

ATENTION LADIES
There will be no Prenatal Fitness Class on Saturday, May 17, 2008 due to the Doula Certification..sorry for the inconvenience but the good news is there will be plenty of doulas to go around soon!!

If you or someone you know wants to join the Doula Certification class, please call 978-738-8080.

Senior Pole-walking meets Infant Exercise

At Tuesday's post-partum fitness class, our babies met up with an exercising seniors group at Andover Park (you can see them walking behind us). Jacqui had us stretching, doing stroller lunges, and working resistent weight bands. A tough work out for the ladies of all ages (and a few little boys) on a beautiful day in the park.

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.

Happy Mother's Day from Maternal Health and Fitness.

New post partum exercise classes

Due to the great turnout to our post-partum classes we will be offering additional classes for summer.

Postpartum fitness classes to ease your way through the early days of mommy hood…come on down and check it out!

ITTY BITTY YOGA - yoga for mom and baby
BABY BOOT CAMP - fitness and exercises to do for yourself and with your baby

Sign up for the Summer!

Tuesdays 9:30 AM
May 6, 13, 20 & 27
June 3, 10 & 17
July 1, 8, 15 & 29
August 5, 12, 19 & 26

Cost for the entire summer is $125.00
That's about $8 per class - cheaper than many gyms and studios!

Babies are required for these classes.

Wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle, blanket, stroller and of course your baby!

For more information call 978-738-8080

Infant and Child CPR class in May

Maternal Health and Fitness is happy to announce they will be offering an infant and child CPR class. This course teaches participants how to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children age 12 and younger.

Take INFANT/CHILD CPR with Priscilla Musiitwa, American Red Cross Instructor/Trainer Saturday, May 10, 2008
11:00am-2pm
$40. per person

Please call 978.738.8080 to register.

Maternal Health and Fitness at March of Dimes Lowell

Saturday, April 26, Maternal Health and Fitness contributed to the March of Dimes, March for Babies in Lowell, MA. Over 1000 walkers showed up for the event. MHF had a good turn out too!

We raised $2,135 - exceeding our original goal by over $1,500!

Welcome Mom & Baby fitness

With the onset of nice weather, we've begun regular classes outside. Itty Bitty Yoga (yoga you can do with your babies and some post-natal exercise for mom) and Baby Boot Camp (walking and weight training for moms and babies in strollers).

Maureen with Joy and her son Carson.


Michelle and her son Braeden.


Jacqui's daughter Sydney lifting some weights. (and some goldfish)

Maureen and Melissa's daughter Aine taking a moment in the sun.

Classes tomorrow 4/22

Tomorrow we will have two classes at MHF:

Baby Boot Camp
9:30 am

I'm a mommy...now what?
12:30 pm
Topic: Infant Massage

Babies required for both classes ;)
Water, comfy clothes and strollers also recommended (esp for Baby Boot Camp)

See you there!

Itty Bitty Yoga & Baby Boot Camp

“ FREE “
ITTY BITTY YOGA - baby yoga for babies and mommies
BABY BOOT CAMP - exercise for mom and baby

9:30 AM
Tuesdays April 15th and 22th
Thursdays April 17th and 24th

Babies “R” required for these classes
Postpartum fitness classes to ease your way through the early days of mommy hood…come on down and check it out at 3 Dundee Park!

Wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle, blanket, stroller and of course your baby!
For more information call 978-738-8080

Doula Certification Workshop

Maternal Health & Fitness will be hosting a "Doula Certification Workshop" right here in Andover. We are very excited about this and already have women signed up!!

If you're interested, visit the link above or for more information contact Jacqui @ 978-258-9890.

Wrap it up

Last Tuesday, we met for "I'm a mommy...now What?" session on Baby Wearing.

What is Baby Wearing?

Baby Wearing is a term used for moms (and dads, and grandparents, and caregivers) who choose to carry their baby in a sling, pouch, or other form of baby carrier for at least a couple hours a day.

Though largly associated with "attachment parenting", baby wearing is a technique that can be used by anyone looking for a way to keep doing chores around the house with an infant, go on walks or hikes without a carriage/stroller, or even zip out to the grocery store without having to juggle a car seat and grocery cart at the same time. It's also a great way to calm fussy babies, help babies who are failing to thrive, get babies to sleep who are having trouble, and, of course, bond with your baby.

A few of our mom favorites:

• Sling:
  A band of fabric, sometimes with rings, sometimes without, that forms a pouch. This is great for use with newborns especially, though you can carry larger babies and toddlers with it too. A few common slings: Peanut Shell , Hotsling, and the Kangaroo Pouch. The Maya Wrap has an ajustable pouch as well that has rings.
  
• Wrap:
  This is a large band of fabric wrapped strategically around mom to carry the baby. This is particularly great for winter babies or babies who need special care. The most common one is the Moby Wrap. Though there are others out there.
  
• Carrier:
  This is usually a more complicated piece involving ties, loops, rings, padding, etc. Originally based on an asian-styled carrier, this option has evolved. The one with ties is called a Mei Tei Carrier. But you may be more familiar with a brand called the Baby Bjorn. Others also include the ErgoCarrier and Porta-Me Carrier.

Our next "I'm a mommy...now what?" meeting will be Tuesday, April 8 at 12:30 at MHF.

MHF does not have an affiliation with Dr. Sears or any of the companies or sling styles listed here. This is purely for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns about Baby Wearing. We're hoping the companies we mention won't mind a nod in their direction.

March for Babies

The March of Dimes has changed the name of its biggest event to March for Babies. It's a great change because it makes it very clear exactly who our team is walking for -- all babies. I am very excited to be a part of the “first” March for Babies, please join our team, MATERNAL HEALTH & FITNESS on Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Lowell, MA.

Although the name of this signature event changed, the mission did not. The March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.

I’m asking you to join this March for Babies team to help the March of Dimes continue its work to ensure the health of babies. It’s easy – just click on the link below, then click the “Join This Team” button.

I am proud to support the March of Dimes. If you can’t join as a walker, please sponsor the team with your donation.

Warm Regards,
Maureen Saba

You can donate to this walker at ..http://www.marchforbabies.org/515273

I'm a mommy...now what - first meeting

Last week, Maternal Health and Fitness reintroduced postpartum Mom support. A group of about six moms with their little ones ranging from 2.5 mos to 3 years gathered to eat their lunches, feed the kids, & chat.

"I'm a mommy...now what?" will meet twice monthly until May.

The next gathering will be March 25 at 12:30 at MHF.